“Run, don’t walk–this is breathtaking juice … I was blown away.” –Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

“SUPER TUSCAN?” Sergio Manetti of MONTEVERTINE left the Chianti Consorzium in the 1980’s to pursue his own path to perfection. His son Martino carries on the Montevertine tradition of pure, sublime sangiovese from Radda in Chianti — ardent fans rejoice in the winery’s choice to remain “rooster-free.”

2006 MONTEVERTINE LE PERGOLE TORTE 96 pts. $110 ($90/btl case purchase)
“What a pleasure it is to taste the 2006 Le Pergole Torte now that it is in bottle. The wine reveals superior density and richness in an especially generous style for this wine. Notes of smoke, licorice, leather and underbrush develop with air, adding layers of complexity to the dark red fruit. Today the tannins are a bit on the firm side as is typically the case when this wine is young, but it is impossible not to admire the 2006 Pergole Torte for its superb purity. The heat of the vintage has given the fruit in these high altitude vineyards a level of ripeness and depth that is unusual, all while maintaining the classic sense of structure that defines the best Pergole Tortes. Run, don’t walk–this is breathtaking juice no one who loves Italian wine will want to be without … I was blown away.” 96 pts.–
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

Extremely limited. CALL NOW to reserve — wine arrives next week!  978-369-2545

Fratelli ALESSANDRIA is listed in the “Top Ten Under the Radar Wineries” in Piedmont from the Wine Advocate.

BAROLO from Fratelli ALESSANDRIA
NEW! VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE!

Yet another “under the radar” find from VINTAGES!
 VINTAGES’ Carolyn & Eric visited the cellar of Barolo producer FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA last May during the Alba Wine Exhibition. This historic Barolo estate, located in Verduno, was founded in the early 1800’s and is now managed by the Battista family.  Since Alessandria had no MA importer, we arranged to bring the wines in — they are finally here– exclusively for VINTAGES customers!

“This is another set of compelling wines from Fratelli ALESSANDRIA. In fact, I can’t think of another producer making Barolos at this level that still sell for such reasonable prices.” — A. Galloni, Wine Advocate

* * * *

2007 DOM. de VIEUX TELEGRAPHE Chateauneuf-du-Pape 96pts. $75
“Throughout the southern Rhône, 2007 is the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years working in that region. This venerable estate, long run by the Brunier family, is a consistent source for fabulous wines.” –Robert Parker

“The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape should ultimately eclipse the 2005 and 1998. It appears to be one of the finest wines made by Daniel Brunier and his brother. Its deep ruby color is accompanied by a superb nose of nori seaweed wrappers, licorice, pepper, tobacco leaf, and gobs of sweet black cherry and black currant fruit. Full-bodied with a fabulous texture, purity, and freshness (a consistent hallmark of this vintage), a juicy, rich, layered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts for 45+ seconds. Although young, the tannin, acidity, and alcohol are all well-integrated. Typically, this wine tends to be dormant for 3-5 years after bottling, then emerge brilliantly. Therefore, I would wait until 2012 before pulling a cork on this one. Drink it over the following 20-25 years. 94-96+ pts.” — Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

 

2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino “MONTOSOLI” 95 pts. EXCLUSIVE

Eric Broege visited the Montalcino region and the Altesino estate in April to taste the vaunted 2004 Brunellos. He had a long visit and dinner with Guido Orzalesi, and tasted 2004’s as well as barrel samples from recent vintages. The verdict? A resounding “BRAVO!”

“Montosoli” is a five-hectare vineyard  northeast of Montalcino at an altitude of 350-400m. The grapes from this vineyard have been fermented and aged separately since the 1975 harvest.

2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” $120 95 pts.  “The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a big, strapping wine loaded with dark fruit, smoke, new leather and minerals. The Montosoli, from one of Montalcino’s top sites, shows considerable density and richness. The tannins build on the finish, rounding out a gorgeous Brunello that achieves a brilliant combination of power and elegance. Drink: 2009-2022.”–Wine Advocate

“Shows meat and blackberry on the nose, with hints of rose perfume. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, rich and flavorful finish. Love the cocoa, berry and light vanilla bean aftertaste. This is always classic in an outstanding year. Best from 2010 through 2015. 1,500 cases made. 95 pts.”–WS

 

 

 

2004 BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO from SIRO PACENTI
VINTAGES is very pleased to offer such a superb example of Brunello di Montalcino from an outstanding vintage.

SIRO PACENTI, Montalcino
“Giancarlo Pacenti farms 20 ha of Sangiovese vineyards, the vast majority of which are Brunello-designated. Pacenti is one of the few producers who believes in bottling a single Brunello made from plots across various zones within Montalcino, which he believes leads to wines of greater complexity and balance. Pacenti employs a Bordeaux-like model where only the best lots are bottled into the Brunello, which he considers his ‘Grand Vin,’ while the secondary lots are bottled as Rosso di Montalcino. These are wines of the very highest level, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.” -Wine Advocate

2004 SIRO PACENTI BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO 97 PTS. $100 ($85 case price) SOLD OUT!
“The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a huge, dense wine that explodes from the glass with tar, smoke, earthiness black cherries and minerals. The wine possesses dazzling concentration and tons of richness, as waves of fruit coat the palate in stunning style. This big, dramatic Brunello needs time in bottle, but it is nothing short of magnificent today. The balance, and the integration of the French oak in particular, is brilliant. For those who are curious to try a bottle now, the wine should be opened a few hours in advance as the tannins are imposing at this stage. This is a rare Brunello of superb pedigree and complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 97 pts.”-Wine Advocate

2007 SIRO PACENTI ROSSO di MONTALCINO 92 PTS. $42 ($35.70 case price)
“The 2007 Rosso di Montalcino is a decidedly firm, imposing Rosso packed with fruit. Readers should not mistake this for an easygoing wine. It is anything but that. This richly textured, powerful Rosso flows onto the palate with superb richness in its dark red fruit, smoke, minerals and tobacco. Everything is supported by firm yet sweet tannins all the way through to the finish where a blast of tar adds a final note of complexity. Pacenti is in a class with few peers when it comes to Rosso di Montalcino. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. 92 pts.”-Wine Advocate

TO ORDER, CALL ERIC @ 978-369-2545

VERY LIMITED-EXCEPTIONAL CELLAR SELECTION

BRUNO GIACOSA 2004 BARBARESCO Asili Red Label Riserva 98 pts. $390/btl ($331.50 for case purchase)

“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he’s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. 98 POINTS.” -Wine Advocate

2004 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO BAROLO “Monprivato” 96 pts. $100! ($85/bottle case purchase)

VINTAGES’ MA Exclusive!

“Mascarello’s 2004 Barolo Monprivato is an explosive wine with an almost Pinot-like expression of purity in its fruit. This round, sweet Barolo is extremely primary at this stage, with tons of dense fruit that almost cover the wine’s tannins completely. Subtle overtones of roses and tar develop in the glass, rounding out this majestic wine. Monprivato is one of the world’s very finest values in collectible, age-worthy wine, and the 2004 is another classic in the making. I was blown away by this wine’s sheer balance and harmony, both of which are remarkable considering the wine’s age. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.  96 pts.!” –Wine Advocate

 

2004 BARTOLO MASCARELLO BAROLO 95 pts. $100/bottle

“Maria Theresa Mascarello’s pure, finessed 2004 Barolo offers a compelling array of perfumed violets, dark cherries and baking spices with superb clarity and delineation. A weightless, ethereal Barolo, it reveals notable freshness and supple tannins on the long, finessed finish. Although I have tasted this wine many times from cask, I first encountered it from bottle at a blind tasting where it was immediately recognizable for its style, purity and class. This is the best young Barolo I have tasted here in many a year. Fans of traditional Barolo won’t want to miss this superb effort. 95 pts.” –Wine Advocate  TO ORDER CALL 978-369-2545

 

The Long-Awaited Cru Riservas of the 2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO

“I recently re-tasted a number of the Produttori’s 2004 Riservas and promptly augmented my stock of these sublime Barbarescos. I highly encourage readers to snap up the wines while they are around.” —Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, April 2009

The long-awaited 2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas are here! This much-heralded vintage is a benchmark for these wines as well as many wines from Barbaresco and Barolo.  The nine cru Riservas have not been bottled since the 2001 harvest – none were produced from 2002 or 2003.  In the meantime, the Produttori has been gaining acclaim of their own as a prime source for top-quality Nebbiolo and Barbaresco that represent exceptional value.

VINTAGES is proud of our long-time association with the Produttori del Barbaresco and its wine director Aldo Vacca. Through tastings, wine dinners, seminars and even the Nantucket Wine Festival, VINTAGES has offered many meaningful opportunities for our customers to experience and understand the great wine traditions of Piedmont and Barbaresco, and how a quality cooperative with nine top vineyard sites can offer some of the most age-worthy examples of these wines. The true beauty of the Produttori wines is that vineyard and vintage shine clearly through – the astounding achievements of nature and nebbiolo in a great vintage are never muddled by a heavy hand in the cellar.

VINTAGES is taking orders for these wines on a first-come, first-served basis. Following are reviews from the Wine Advocate. Many of you already have favorite Barbaresco vineyards that you collect for cellaring, and likely have a better appreciation of “your” cru than any wine reviewer possibly could. It’s an adventure for all!

Please note: VINTAGES quantity discounts will apply to these prices.

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “MONTEFICO” $68 – VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE!
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the larger-scaled wines in this lineup. It reveals a profile of ripe red fruits, spices and menthol wrapped into a seamless yet structured frame. This Barbaresco doesn’t quite have the level of profoundness of the finest wines in this vintage, but it comes awfully close. Shades of Bruno Giacosa’s 1971 Barbaresco Montefico linger on the long and immensely satisfying finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 93 pts.” –WA

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “PAJE” $68 – VINTAGES Exclusive!
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Paje achieves a remarkable marriage of elegance and power. It’s all here as this vibrant, pure Barbaresco engages the intellectual and pleasure-seeking senses with an endless array of dark cherries, menthol, licorice, spices and espresso. This wonderfully complete, full-bodied Barbaresco needs some time for the tannins to settle down, but it is truly a special wine in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 94 pts.” –WA

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “ASILI” $68
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili conveys an impression of sheer luxuriousness as it coats the palate with waves of ripe fruit that nearly manage to cover the wine’s tannins. Generous and expansive on the palate, the wine reveals tons of depth and richness, with a long, satisfying finish. This remains a vibrant, pure Barbaresco in need of cellaring, yet readers who want to take this bottling out for a test drive won’t be disappointed, but beware, the wine shut down quickly in the glass. Simply put, this is sublime stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024. 94 pts.” -WA

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “MOCCAGATTA” $68
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Moccagatta suffers only by virtue of being placed among this group of phenomenal wines; most producers would be delighted to have this as their top Barbaresco. As is often the case, the Moccagatta is a relatively accessible, forward wine, but like the Rio Sordo, it has an unusual level of plumpness and inner sweetness that makes up for any complexity that may be missing. Sweet spices, plums, prunes and espresso are just some of the nuances to be found in this compelling wine. The Moccagatta should be one of the more accessible Riservas early on. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. 92 pts.” –WA

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “MONTESTEFANO” $68
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the more reticent wines in this lineup of 2004 Riservas. Its vibrant, fresh color is followed by notes of violets, roses, black cherries, menthol, smoke and licorice. The wine possesses tons of structure and sheer muscle behind the fruit, suggesting this will be an especially long-lived Barbaresco. In recent vintages I haven’t been the biggest fan of the Montestefano, but this superb 2004 is impossible to resist. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 93 pts.“-WA

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “OVELLO” $68
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is deep, dense and incredibly primary. Although the wine clearly possesses remarkable stuffing, there is very little tertiary development here. With air, suggestions of menthol, pine, spices and licorice gradually emerge, but this remains a wine in need of serious bottle age. Lingering notes of sweetness resonate on the long finish. This austere, but beautiful Barbaresco is destined to develop beautifully in bottle and should offer glorious drinking down the road. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 93 pts.” -WA

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “PORA” $68
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a dense, chewy offering loaded with ripe red cherries, licorice, tar and sweet wild herbs. The wine’s sheer concentration and power are impressive but today the tannins seem to lack the extra level of elegance that characterizes the best wines in this vintage. Despite its slightly rustic personality, this medium to full-bodied Barbaresco delivers plenty of drinking pleasure in an intense style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 91 pts.”

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “RIO SORDO” $68
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is one of the better versions of this wine I can remember. There is considerable depth and richness in the fruit here as this sweet, layered Barbaresco opens up in the glass. The typical spiced, floral Rio Sordo notes are amply present in the wine, but in 2004 there is an additional level of concentration and richness that has eluded previous vintages. This is a beautiful Rio Sordo from the Produttori. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. 92 pts.”-WA

2004 BAROLO and 2004 BARBARESCO

2004 BAROLO

2004 RINALDI BAROLO “Cannubi Ravera (San Lorenzo)” $128/bottle 95 pts. ($108.80 case price).  “Excellent deep red-ruby color. The nose began a bit reduced, then opened spectacularly to show red berries, black licorice, chestnut, brown spices, truffle, mocha and minerals, along with a suggestion of surmaturite Less obviously fleshy than the Brunate but already quite expressive despite its rather primary cherry fruit, with snappy acidity accentuating the wine’s inner-mouth floral character. The tannins here are chewy, ripe and wonderfully suave for so-called old-style Barolo. I find this utterly compelling. Cannubi becomes more floral with aging and gains in length, says Rinaldi, while the Brunate takes on a stronger tar-and-chocolate character. 95 pts.” –IWC

2004 RINALDI BAROLO “Brunate Le Coste” $128/bottle 96+ pts. ($108.80 case price) “Rinaldi’s 2004 Barolo Brunate/Le Coste has been special every time I have tasted it over the last few years. Profoundly expressive balsamic aromas jump out of the glass, leading to layers of seductive perfumed dark fruit that continue to unfold as the wine sits in the glass. This is a truly majestic Barolo. It possesses superb weight and density in a finely-textured yet powerful style. The tannins are firm yet incredibly refined. Readers will not want to miss this exceptional wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029. 96+ pts.“–Wine Advocate

2004 ENZO BOGLIETTI BAROLO “Brunate” $85  94 pts. ($72.25 case price)  “Boglietti’s 2004 Barolo Vigna delle Brunate is terrific. It, too, is a big, weighty Barolo, yet the fruit is more layered than the Case Nere and the tannins have an additional degree of fineness. Perfumed black cherries, menthol, spices and sweet toasted oak emerge from this concentrated, richly-textured wine. With time in the glass the wine gains clarity and focus, becoming even more compelling. This is a great effort from Enzo Boglietti. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024. 94 pts.” –The Wine Advocate

2004 ENZO BOGLIETTI BAROLO “Case Nere” $85 92 pts.  ($72.25 case price)  “2004 Barolo Case Nere is a dark, brooding wine endowed with notes of smoke, earthiness and tobacco that emerge from its intense frame. This contemplative wine opens nicely in the glass, showing notable delineation in its aromas and flavors, with plenty of stuffing to support the tannins. It remains a very finessed yet backward Case Nere in need of a few years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. 92 pts.” –The Wine Advocate

“Enzo Boglietti makes some of the richest, most deeply-flavored Barolos in Piedmont. In recent years his wines have acquired an additional level of complexity and clarity. These 2004s are his finest wines yet.” – The Wine Advocate
2004 DOMENICO CLERICO Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 97 pts. $93.50/bottle cs price ($110) “The 2004 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra sweeps across the palate with stunning depth and expansiveness in its dark cherries, menthol, spices, chocolate and sweet toasted oak. It offers exceptional length and delineation, with a note of freshness that provides lift on the close. It is a profound effort from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 97 pts.”
2004 ELIO ALTARE Barolo “Aborina” 95 pts. $113.05/btl for case purchase ($133) “The 2004 Barolo Arborina is a surprisingly super-ripe, concentrated and soft-textured wine loaded with sweet fruit. It offers outstanding length and ripe tannins in a very seductive style of Barolo. 95 pts.” –The Wine Advocate

2004 SCAVINO BAROLO CANNUBI 94 pts. $135  “Scavino’s 2004 Barolo Cannubi is an imposing effort. It possesses a lovely inner perfume with layers of ripe fruit, menthol and spices that caress the palate, showing superb grace and purity. The tannins are sweet, ripe and round, adding to the wine’s stylish, elegant personality. This is a surprisingly big Cannubi from Scavino. 94 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 SCAVINO BAROLO “Bric del Fiasc” 96 pts. $135   “The estate’s 2004 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is another awesome wine. Initially linear on entry, it explodes on the palate with a compelling array of dark fruit, smoke, tar, licorice, new leather, plums and baking spices. Although Bric del Fiasc is typically a wine that relies on power, the 2004 is notably refined and elegant, with sweet silky tannins that support the fruit from start to finish. Simply put, this is a remarkable wine from Enrico Scavino. 96 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 CONTERNO-FANTINO BAROLO “Sori Ginestra” 96 pts. $115  “Conterno-Fantino have once again produced one of the vintage’s finest wines with their stunning 2004 Barolo Sori Ginestra, which is just as impressive in bottle as it has been on the several occasions I have tasted it from barrel. This explosive, heady Barolo bursts onto the palate with seamless layers of ripe dark fruit, black cherries, menthol, cinnamon, pine and minerals, revealing profound depth and richness. It offers superb length, gorgeous, sweet tannins and a finish that lasts forever. Although it is a surprisingly accessible Sori Ginestra at this stage, I expect it will close down at some point in the near future. Readers who have an opportunity to taste this wine in the next few months should not hesitate to do so. This is a remarkable Barolo in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 96 pts.”–Wine Advocate
2004 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO Ginestra “Casa Mate” 94 pts! $78 ($165 1.5L)   “The 2004 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is a decidedly more masculine Barolo than the Gavarini. Made in a rich, weighty style, it reveals layers of deeply spiced, mentholated dark fruit, new leather and licorice sensations in an expression of Nebbiolo that engages all of the senses. It is a superb effort from one of Piedmont’s unheralded producers. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. 94 pts.” — Wine Advocate

2004 BURLOTTO BAROLO Vigneto Monvigliero $75  The tradition of crushing the grapes using “foot treading” is still carried on for the nebbiolo from the hillside Monvigliero vineyard. The greatness of Monvigliero is captured by its signature aromatics, which are unique among Barolos. The amazingly intense perfume of provencal black olive tapenade, cedar and truffle is nothing less than hypnotic. Tremendous complexity, finesse, supple tannins, and long, lingering finish.
2004 BURLOTTO BAROLO DOCG $52   Located in Verduno, the northernmost part of Barolo, Burlotto is known for fragrant wines that are elegant and powerful. One of the first to begin bottling Barolo in the late 1800’s, Burlotto still uses many time-consuming traditional methods that lend a particular refined character to their wines.

2004 MARCARINI BAROLO “Brunate” 93 pts. Reg. $62 “Soaring aromatics emerge from the estate’s 2004 Barolo Brunate. Menthol, dark cherries, spices, new leather and licorice are all to be found in this generous, layered wine. Sweet, ripe tannins provide a lovely bookend to this rich, classic Barolo from the Brunate vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 93 pts.”-Wine Advocate

2004 REVELLO BAROLO “Conca” 93 pts. $78   “The 2004 Barolo Vigna Conca is among the strongest wines in the group. It is a touch less aromatically complex than the preceding wines yet it offers notable concentration and fatness on the palate which helps balance the wine’s significant structural components. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. 93 pts.” –Wine Advocate
2004 REVELLO BAROLO “Gattera” 92 pts. $56 “Revello’s 2004 Barolo Vigna Gattera is the only wine the estate ages in 15-hectoliter barrels rather than the smaller French oak barriques. Sweet mentholated notes intertwined with dark red fruit and spices emerge from this beautiful, silky-textured wine. Made in a structured style for a La Morra Barolo, it reveals outstanding length and terrific overall balance. This took some time to open up, but when it did, it was superb. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 PRINCIPIANO Barolo “Serralunga” $39 “Principiano’s 2004 Barolo Serralunga is surprisingly soft and ethereal for a wine from this village in 2004. Medium in body, it reveals macerated cherries, smoke, earthiness and licorice, with excellent length on the palate and an approachable, finessed personality. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016.” –Wine Advocate
2004 PRINCIPIANO Barolo “Boscareto” $98  “The 2004 Barolo Boscareto is a more vibrant and larger-scaled wine than the Serralunga. It presents lovely harmony in an expression of dark cherries, plums, spices, toasted oak and menthol, showing terrific overall balance and well-integrated tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019. 90 pts.”–Wine Advocate

2004 BARBARESCO

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RISERVAS –CALL TO RESERVE NOW!
Eight of nine crus available (RABAJA not available)
Asili, Moccagatta, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Paje, Pora, Rio Sordo
CALL ERIC at VINTAGES 978-369-2545

In stock:
2004 BRUNO GIACOSA Barbaresco “Rabaja” $225 97 pts. ($191.25/btl case price)  “The 2004 Barbaresco Rabaja is off the charts. It boasts phenomenal richness and complexity in its dark, brooding aromatics and powerful structure, with suggestions of roses, tar, menthol, coffee beans and baking spices that emerge from the glass in an endless display of elegance married to sheer force. Although the Rabaja will be released as a white label non-Riserva, it is very close to Riserva-level quality. I would not be surprised to see the Rabaja merit a higher score in another year or two. This magnificent wine will especially appeal to readers who enjoy a structured style of Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 97 pts.”- Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
2004 BRUNO GIACOSA Barbaresco “Santo Stefano” $270 ($229.50/btl case price) 95 pts. Single-vineyard Barbaresco. “Giacosa’s 2004 Barbaresco “Santo Stefano” is a superb wine. Sweet, floral, mentholated aromatics meld into an expressive core of ripe fruit, with superb length and elegant tannins to round out the finish. Reveals tremendous depth, harmony and balance. This pure, sweet, long Barbaresco is the best Santo Stefano in years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. 95 pts.”–Robert Parker

2004 ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO BRICH RONCHI 92 pts. $65  “The 2004 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi reveals a deep, dark color and a full-bodied, weighty expression of ripe fruit. Long and sweet on the palate, this fat, ripe Barbaresco offers outstanding length and plenty of style. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate
2004 ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO “Loreto” 94 pts. $70   “The cask-aged 2004 Barbaresco Sori Loreto presents gorgeous, expressive aromatics and a nuanced personality with notable depth as well as detail. Sweet dark fruit, menthol, spices and minerals all flow from this gorgeous, firmly structured Barbaresco. Sori Loreto reveals greater complexity as well as nuance. It is a terrific effort. 94 pts.” –Wine Advocate
2004 PAITIN BARBARESCO “Sori Paitin” $40   Eric met with Giovanni Pasquero to taste this classic example of Neive terroir: the predominantly clay soil creates a more powerful, bolder personality. “The 2004 Barbaresco Sori Paitin is intense and powerful in its expression of dark fruit, spices, earthiness and tar. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019. 92 pts.” — Wine Advocate
2004 ALDO BIANCO Barbaresco $40  This small, traditional producer of Barbaresco, with vineyards adjacent to those of Angelo Gaja, makes this elegant, medium-bodied wine with notes of porcini, truffle, and autumn leaves. Beautiful wine!
2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “Torre” $34 “Produttori del Barbaresco continues to be a terrific source for well-priced wines. The estate’s 2004 Barbaresco is very sweet and pretty, with spiced, floral aromas that are delicately woven into a fabric of ripe fruit. With air herbal and balsamic overtones emerge, adding further complexity. The wine offers outstanding length, silky tannins and a fresh, inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 90 pts.” –Wine Advocate

GIACOMO CONTERNO

2001 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Monfortino” and more

New releases, vaunted vintages from a legendary estate

“Today Roberto Conterno makes wines that can hold their own with the very finest wines made anywhere in the world, and in that context these Barolos remain fairly priced. This is an estate that has achieved its success the hard way, by earning it – not just over the years, but over the decades.” –Wine Advocate

Through our close relationship with Roberto and the GIACOMO CONTERNO estate, VINTAGES is able to offer these outstanding wines to our customers at extremely favorable prices to enhance their already strong value.

2001 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “MONFORTINO” Ris. $400 99 pts! (1.5 L $876)–SOLD OUT! “The 2001 Barolo Riserva Monfortino flows from the glass with stunning depth and purity. This seamless, elegant Barolo caresses the palate with incredible persistence as layers of aromas and flavors develop in the glass. Stylistically it is very much like the 2001 Cascina Francia, only with more intensity, depth and sheer volume. Monfortino has always had power to spare, but in 2001 it is also incredibly elegant, something that previous vintages have only acquired with significant bottle age. This is a towering, majestic Monfortino that will rightfully take its place among the very finest Monfortinos ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2041. 99 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “CASCINA FRANCIA” $138 97 pts! (1.5L $333)-SOLD OUT! “The 2004 Barolo Cascina Francia is an explosive wine that faithfully captures all of the promise it showed from barrel. This spectacularly rich, concentrated Barolo possesses striking perfume in its smoke, tar, spiced red fruits, licorice and flowers. The wine offers tremendous length and a finish that lasts forever. This is an especially dense, powerful Cascina Francia with a gorgeous core of perfumed sweet fruit that will require some time to fully emerge but is breathtakingly beautiful even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029. 97 pts.” — Wine Advocate

2006 GIACOMO CONTERNO BARBERA d’ALBA $45 93 pts. (1.5L $115)
“The 2006 Barbera d’Alba is a knockout. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. This rich, sumptuous Barbera tastes just like it did in barrel, which is to say plump, juicy and full of vibrant dark fruit. Notes of iron, tar and smoke that are typical of the Cascina Francia vineyard develop in the glass. The wine possesses stunning length and textural depth not to mention a finessed, harmonious personality. Stylistically it is also remarkably complete, as it combines the richness of fruit found in the 2003 with the greater perfume and finesse of the 2004 and 2005. It is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 93 pts.” — Wine Advocate

NEW! 2006 BURGUNDY

2006 RAMONET, GROFFIER & d’ANGERVILLE

(Prices listed are per bottle)

DOMAINE RAMONET

2006 RAMONET PULIGNY MONTRACHET “Les Enseigneres” $68 ($57.80 cs price) “Pale straw color. Hints of peach and orange on the nose, along with talc and oak spice. Supple and quite dry, with peach and spice flavors.” -IWC

2006 RAMONET CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET “Clos de la Boudriotte” $90 ($76.50 cs price) “Pale color. Aromas and flavors of lime, pear and flowers. Denser and sweeter than the village wines, with sound acidity giving the wine a light touch.”–IWC

DOM. MARQUIS d’ANGERVILLE

2006 d’ANGERVILLE MEURSAULT “Santenots” $78 ($66.30 cs price) “A very subtle hint of pain grillé frames an expressive nose of floral aromas, in particular acacia and here too there are discreet notes of straw that are picked up by the rich, full and precise flavor that possess fine balance on the sappy and mouth coating finish. I particularly like the underlying tension that imparts a sense of vibrancy. Lovely! Outstanding! 90 pts.” –Burghound

DOMAINE ROBERT GROFFIER

2006 GROFFIER CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY “Les Hauts Doix” $145 ($123.25 cs price) “This is decidedly more elegant with highly expressive and notably pretty red and blue berry fruit aromas that slide gracefully into admirably concentrated, textured and subtly mineral-infused and rather forward flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel and fine finishing complexity. 91 pts.” –Burghound

2006 GROFFIER CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY “Les Amoureuses” $220 ($187 cs price) “Here there is a bit more obvious wood spice, mixed espresso and sexy black and blue fruit aromas that merge into rich, full and velvety medium-bodied flavors that are concentrated and textured with another dimension of complexity on the admirably long finish that also evidences a trace of toast. Sweet spot outstanding! 92 pts.”–Burghound (93 pts. IWC)

2006 GROFFIER BONNES MARES $240 –SOLD OUT!
“This too carries subtle wood toast coupled with a bit of wood spice that sets off the layered black fruit and slightly sauvage notes that are clearly picked up by the rich, full, muscled and notably powerful flavors that seemed less structured than they really are because of the velvety mouth feel and huge length. This is very fresh and energetic… 93 pts.” –Burghound

2006 DOM. MUGNERET & BOCQUENET

DOMAINE MUGNERET

Over the past 5 years this domaine has become one of Burgundy’s stars but the wines are not yet priced like it, though it’s true that they are substantially more expensive than they were. For budget-conscious readers, two wines that always provide excellent price to value satisfaction are the Bourgogne and Vosne villages. Among the 1ers my personal favorite is the Feusselottes and among the grands crus, the “bargain” play, assuming that any grand cru can be called a bargain is the Echézeaux.” –Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Clos de Vougeot $200 ($170 cs price)
“This is perhaps the ripest wine in the range with an unusually elegant mélange of red and blue pinot fruit aromas nuanced by hints of violets and the expected pungent earth that is also picked up by the rich and particularly full flavors that possess a natural sweetness, which serves to buffer the classic youthful finishing austerity of a fine Clos de Vougeot. This is lovely and built to age. 94 pts.” –Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Ruchottes-Chambertin $200 ($170 cs price)
“More discreet wood influence allows the densely fruited nose that is understandably very similar to that of the Gevrey villages with its fresh truffle and mineral character though here the dark berry fruit is slightly riper and leads to rich, mouth coating and beautifully textured flavors that possess a certain reserve as well as more of the minerality displayed by the nose, all wrapped in a strikingly long finish. I really like the underlying sense of both tension and vibrancy as this does a slow build from the mid-palate all the way to the finale. 93 pts.” –Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Echezeaux $165 ($140.25 cs price)
“Relatively generous wood sets off a layered and intense black fruit and beautifully spiced nose that is in keeping with the rich, full, fresh, sweet and sleekly muscled flavors brimming with dry extract but also there is like the Feusselottes, a touch of backend dryness though here, there appears to be enough ripeness to the tannins for it to round out. 92 pts.”–Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Nuits St. George Les Chaignots $98 ($83.30 cs price) “This is also mildly reduced with red berry fruit and earth notes fighting their way out of the funkiness to introduce the sweet and discreetly spicy moderately full flavors that are firm and focused and while admirably persistent, they finish with a touch of leanness. My score offers the benefit of the doubt that this will flesh out more with further time in barrel. 90 pts.” –Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Chambolle-Musigny Feusselottes $110 ($93.50 cs price) “Not surprisingly, this is distinctly more elegant with pure, fresh and high-toned classic Chambolle red pinot fruit that is lacy and airy and complements well the detailed, precise and focused flavors… This will certainly be very good as it’s too refined and reasonably well balanced not to at least achieve that level of excellence. 89 pts.” –Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Vosne-Romanee $75 ($63.75 cs price) “This too displays a background trace of wood that highlights the very Vosne-style nose of spicy blue and black fruit aromas that dissolve into rich, sweet and velvety medium-bodied flavors that possess fine intensity, depth and balance. A very solid villages that is worth a look. 89 pts. “–Burghound

2006 MUGNERET Bourgogne Rouge $36 ($30.60 cs price)
“The barest touch of wood frames the dark berry fruit aromas that lead to relatively rich and sweet flavors underpinned by much more sophisticated tannins than are typically found at this level, all wrapped in a balanced and persistent finish. This well outperforms its class. 88 pts.” –Burghound

DOMAINE BOCQUENET

“The enormously talented Daniel Bocquenet told me that 2006 “was marked by the lousy August yet also by a surprisingly warm September. But if you kept only the best grapes, the quality was excellent, indeed I would go so far as to say that it’s not far off of what 2005 achieved.” I have said it many times but it’s worth repeating: few domaines offer the price/quality ratio that Bocquenet’s wines do … nothing short of brilliant.”–Burghound

2006 BOCQUENET Echezeaux $138 ($117.30) “This is also beautifully perfumed and not surprisingly much more complex with spicy and beautifully layered black fruit aromas where this sense of nuance and depth continues onto the rich, sweet and firm medium plus weight flavors underpinned by a solid core of ripe tannins and excellent length. This could easily surprise to the upside as the structural elements are still very primary and youthfully austere. 92 pts.” –Burghound

2006 BOCQUENET Nuits-St-George Aux St Julien $65 ($55.25) “A beautifully perfumed nose that is classic Nuits with earth and slightly animale red berry fruit aromas that merge into precise, pure and admirably intense medium full flavors that do carry a trace of backend rusticity but overall, this is more refined than usual while keeping all of its typical power and punch. 89 pts.”–Burghound

2006 BOCQUENET Vosne-Romanee $65 ($55.25) “A ripe, spicy and nicely complex nose introduces moderately firm and unusually robust as well as distinctly primary flavors in the context of the vintage and this will clearly require time to come together as the finish is a bit disjointed today. We’ll see in time but given the track record of this wine, I have confidence that it will harmonize with 2 to 3 years of bottle age. 89 pts.”–Bugnhound

2004 BAROLOS HAVE ARRIVED!

“Quite frankly, I have never tasted young Barolos with this level of sweet, perfumed fruit and silky, ripe tannins. These are wines of extraordinary elegance, balance and finesse… Quality is outstanding from top to bottom.” –Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

ELIO GRASSO BAROLO

“Elio Grasso’s wines are made in a unique, crisply articulated style that highlights balance and harmony over sheer power. One of Piedmont’s unheralded producers.” –Wine Advocate

2004 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO Gavarina “Vigneto Chinera” 93 pts. $78 ($165 1.5L) “Grasso’s 2004 Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera is a floral, perfumed wine made in a precise style that highlights the mineral-infused red fruits and spice flavors that are typical of this limestone-rich vineyard. It is a generous, dense Barolo in this vintage and offers remarkable harmony, with a pure, focused intensity that carries through to the finish, where finessed tannins round out the satisfying close. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022. 93 pts.” — Wine Advocate

2004 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO Ginestra “Casa Mate” 94 pts! $78 ($165 1.5L) “The 2004 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is a decidedly more masculine Barolo than the Gavarini. Made in a rich, weighty style, it reveals layers of deeply spiced, mentholated dark fruit, new leather and licorice sensations in an expression of Nebbiolo that engages all of the senses. It is a superb effort from one of Piedmont’s unheralded producers. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. 94 pts.” — Wine Advocate

CONTERNO-FANTINO BAROLO

2004 CONTERNO-FANTINO BAROLO “Sori Ginestra” 96 pts. $115 “Conterno-Fantino have once again produced one of the vintage’s finest wines with their stunning 2004 Barolo Sori Ginestra, which is just as impressive in bottle as it has been on the several occasions I have tasted it from barrel. This explosive, heady Barolo bursts onto the palate with seamless layers of ripe dark fruit, black cherries, menthol, cinnamon, pine and minerals, revealing profound depth and richness. It offers superb length, gorgeous, sweet tannins and a finish that lasts forever. Although it is a surprisingly accessible Sori Ginestra at this stage, I expect it will close down at some point in the near future. Readers who have an opportunity to taste this wine in the next few months should not hesitate to do so. This is a remarkable Barolo in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 96 pts.”–Wine Advocate

REVELLO BAROLO

2004 REVELLO BAROLO “Conca” 93 pts. $78 “The 2004 Barolo Vigna Conca is among the strongest wines in the group. It is a touch less aromatically complex than the preceding wines yet it offers notable concentration and fatness on the palate which helps balance the wine’s significant structural components. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. 93 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 REVELLO BAROLO “Gattera” 92 pts. $56 “Revello’s 2004 Barolo Vigna Gattera is the only wine the estate ages in 15-hectoliter barrels rather than the smaller French oak barriques. Sweet mentholated notes intertwined with dark red fruit and spices emerge from this beautiful, silky-textured wine. Made in a structured style for a La Morra Barolo, it reveals outstanding length and terrific overall balance. This took some time to open up, but when it did, it was superb. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO

2004 SCAVINO BAROLO “Bric del Fiasc” 96 pts. $135 “The estate’s 2004 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is another awesome wine. Initially linear on entry, it explodes on the palate with a compelling array of dark fruit, smoke, tar, licorice, new leather, plums and baking spices. Although Bric del Fiasc is typically a wine that relies on power, the 2004 is notably refined and elegant, with sweet silky tannins that support the fruit from start to finish. Simply put, this is a remarkable wine from Enrico Scavino. 96 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 SCAVINO BAROLO CANNUBI 94 pts. $135 “Scavino’s 2004 Barolo Cannubi is an imposing effort. It possesses a lovely inner perfume with layers of ripe fruit, menthol and spices that caress the palate, showing superb grace and purity. The tannins are sweet, ripe and round, adding to the wine’s stylish, elegant personality. This is a surprisingly big Cannubi from Scavino. 94 pts.” –Wine Advocate

NEW ARRIVAL OF 2004 BARBARESCO

ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO

2004 ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO BRICH RONCHI 92 pts. $65 “The 2004 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi reveals a deep, dark color and a full-bodied, weighty expression of ripe fruit. Long and sweet on the palate, this fat, ripe Barbaresco offers outstanding length and plenty of style. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO “Loreto” 94 pts. $70 “The cask-aged 2004 Barbaresco Sori Loreto presents gorgeous, expressive aromatics and a nuanced personality with notable depth as well as detail. Sweet dark fruit, menthol, spices and minerals all flow from this gorgeous, firmly structured Barbaresco. Sori Loreto reveals greater complexity as well as nuance. It is a terrific effort. 94 pts.” –Wine Advocate

PAITIN BARBARESCO

2004 PAITIN BARBARESCO “Sori Paitin” 92 pts. $40 ($34/bottle case price)
Tremendous value – “Three Glasses” winner! “The undisputed champ… is the elegant age-worthy Sori Paitin 2004 from a harvest that will long be remembered. Aromas of ripe blackberry fruit meld perfectly with nuances of spice, introducing a very stylish palate brimming with nebbiolo elegance. No doubts here. It won three resounding glasses.” — Gambero Rosso, Guide to Italian Wine

ELIO ALTARE

2004 ELIO ALTARE BAROLO “Arborina” 95 pts! $135 “The 2004 Barolo Arborina is a surprisingly super-ripe, concentrated and soft-textured wine loaded with sweet fruit. It offers outstanding length and ripe tannins in a very seductive style of Barolo. 95 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 ELIO ALTARE BAROLO “Brunate” 97 pts! -SOLD OUT! “His 2004 Barolo Brunate is a deeply-colored effort that bursts from the glass with an exciting array of violets, plums, black cherries and baking spices that complement a core of sweet, perfumed fruit. This exquisite, layered Barolo offers extraordinary elegance and a long, building finish that lasts forever. Once again Altare has produced a masterpiece. 97 pts.”

DOMENICO CLERICO

2004 CLERICO BAROLO “Ciabot Mentin Ginestra” 97 pts! $110 “Clerico’s stunning 2004s are shaping up to be among the best wines of the vintage.” “The 2004 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra sweeps across the palate with stunning depth and expansiveness in its dark cherries, menthol, spices, chocolate and sweet toasted oak. It offers exceptional length and delineation, with a note of freshness that provides lift on the close. It is a profound effort from Domenico Clerico. 97 pts.” — Wine Advocate

GIUSEPPE CORTESE, BARBARESCO (Piedmont, Italy)

Special Cellar Release, VINTAGES Exclusive — Shipped directly from the Cortese winery!

1997 GIUSEPPE CORTESE BARBARESCO “RABAJA” $75 92 pts.

During a visit to the Cortese winery last year, Eric Broege asked Giuseppe if he had any “older” wines available — and here is the result! The highly-touted 1997 vintage created some very sumptuous Barbaresco. We are thrilled to offer this perfectly-cellared, ready-to-drink Barbaresco from this small, traditional family estate that has always taken great care with their wines.

“The 1997 Rabaja is the finest Cortese Barbaresco I have tasted in over a decade. Aged completely in old foudres, it is a traditionally made Piedmontese wine exhibiting notes of raspberry and cherry jam, cedar and balsam wood, smoke, and minerals. The wine is full-bodied, powerful yet elegant, supple-textured, and surprisingly deep as well as delineated. Drink this hedonistic as well as intellectually satisfying Barbaresco over the next 10-12 years. 92 pts.”–Robert Parker

+ Giacomo Conterno Barolo+ 2001 Produttori del Barbaresco+ 2004 Raveneau Burgundy+ 2005 Bordeaux+ 2005 Guffens Burgundy + GAJA 1996 & 1997